Batteries are all around us in energy storage
installations, electric vehicles (EV) and in phones, tablets,
laptops and cameras.
Under normal working conditions, batteries in these devices are
considered to be stable. However, if subjected to some form of
abnormal abuse such as an impact; falling from a height; extreme
environment changes or overcharging, these devices may be rendered
unstable.
In an unstable condition batteries can change rapidly and, in
the worst cases, vent violently with flame.
Battery Safety Solutions from HSE
Automotive battery testing to UN ECE Regulation 100 - R100
HSE can perform some aspects of battery testing in accordance
with Regulation No 100 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the
United Nations (UNECE) - Uniform provisions concerning the approval
of vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric
power train [2015/505]
Bespoke Battery Abuse Testing
Using our purpose-built battery testing facilities, we can
initiate and monitor the failure of cell and battery packs
and examine the consequences and impact of abusing batteries
to failure conditions.
Features of our testing facilities:
- Measurement: current, voltage and
temperature
- Initiation: cell failures can be initiated via
the application of electrical methods, heat or impact
- Video: recording with four high definition
cameras, plus the option to include specialist cameras such as
thermal imaging and high speed
- Gas sampling: in realtime or by means of
sampling tubes
- Residue analysis: samples can be taken of
residues for later analysis by our specialist teams
Testing and Validation of New Materials or Products
HSE can work with you to evaluate your designs
and perform bespoke testing of novel materials and products used in
lithium ion battery technologies.
Additional testing facilities from HSE Testing and
Monitoring
In addition to our dedicated battery safety chamber, the HSE
Science and Research Centre's site spans more than 550 acres where
we routinely conduct large scale bespoke fire and explosive
experiments. Such large scale, highly energetic testing has been
conducted safely on our site for more than 40 years.
Besides open field tests there are a number of vessels of
varying shapes and sizes across our wider estate that can
accommodate high pressure rises. The largest of these vessels has
an internal volume of 3600 cubic metres. These vessels could be
used for larger scale, enclosed battery testing.
More Information
To discuss your requirements, please
contact:
Business.Enquiries@hse.gov.uk
Testing and Validation of New Materials
or Products
HSE can work with you to evaluate your designs
and perform bespoke testing of novel materials and products used in
lithium ion battery technologies.
Health and Safety by Design
Novel technology introduces new health and
safety challenges. We will work with you at the project outset to
share our unique combination of regulatory insight, scientific
expertise and real-world experience and 'design-in' health and
safety at an early stage. Allow us to provide strategic risk
management consultancy or peer review your project plans.
Risk Management: Proactive Hazard
Identification and Developing Safe Systems of Work
As lithium ion batteries as an energy source
become common place, we can help you to effectively manage risk,
safeguard your assets and protect your people as they interface
with this new technology.
Organisations using or handling lithium ion
batteries at any stage of their operations need to be aware of
their potential hazards and how to safely manage and mitigate the
risks they pose. We can work with you to review your operations,
identify hazards and develop safer systems of work.
Complete Worker Health
With so much focus on battery safety, it's
crucial to keep an eye open for the health risks associated with
the introduction of lithium ion batteries in the workplace.
Particularly pertinent to first responders and those in the waste
and recycling industries, we can work with you to ensure the health
effects of interfacing with lithium ion battery technology are
considered, particularly as batteries degrade or disassemble.
To find out more, please contact Kate Jeffrey
on 020 3028 2212 or e-mail kate.jeffrey@hse.gov.uk